De Silva and Perera hit centuries to lead Sri Lanka on Day 3

Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Perera build 249-run partnership

Captain Kusal Perera reached a century in his first Test match as captain. He formed an unbeaten 249-run partnership with Dhananjaya de Silva.

Dhananjaya de Silva finished the day unbeaten on 167, which is six runs away from his career-best score.

Pakistan debutants make history in first innings

Pakistan debutants Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, and Arafat Minhas each scored a half-century in the first innings, a feat that has occurred only once before in Test history. Tayyab Arif contributed 57 runs off 51 balls.

Mohammad Taha added 51 runs off 105 balls. Arafat Minhas scored 52 runs from 72 balls with nine fours and a six, forming a 44-run partnership with Saud Shakeel.

Saud Shakeel scored 93 runs off 193 deliveries, narrowly missing a century. The Times of India reported that the debutants excelled in both batting and bowling, placing the hosts in a strong position to pursue a result.

Bowling challenges and fielding lapses on the Rawalpindi pitch

The Rawalpindi pitch proved difficult for the Pakistan spin attack, as Arafat Minhas struggled to find turn throughout the match. NDTV Sports described the Pakistan bowling lineup as inexperienced during this first Test. These bowling challenges allowed Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis to strengthen Sri Lanka's position by pressuring the hosts.

Fielding lapses also hindered Pakistan, notably when Saud Shakeel dropped a catch off Dhananjaya de Silva early in the morning while the batter was on 38.

Earlier in the match, Saqib Khan and Mohammad Abbas reduced Sri Lanka to 12/2 in the early stages. Mohammad Abbas removed Pasindu Sooriyabandara for a duck, catching the outside edge. Kamindu Mendis was also removed by Abbas shortly after reaching a half-century.

Saqib Khan accounted for two wickets, including Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Udara. Udara scored 42 runs from 47 balls with seven boundaries before wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori caught him off a delivery from Khan. Wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori compiled 48 runs before being out in the first over after lunch, off a delivery from Asitha Fernando. This dismissal marked the 100th Test wicket for Asitha Fernando.

Bad light and player tensions impact play

Bad light caused an early close to the second successive day of the Test, the Times of India reported on 11 November.

During the match, 21-year-old Pakistan fast bowler Razaullah engaged in a verbal exchange with the Sri Lankan batters, according to Cricinfo on 11 November.

The Sri Lankan innings was rescued by an unbeaten 49-run stand between Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva, the Times of India reported on 11 November.

Sri Lanka's historical standing in international cricket

Sri Lanka first participated in first-class cricket during the 1926–27 season.

The team made its international debut at the 1975 Cricket World Cup. In 1981, Sri Lanka was awarded Test status, becoming the eighth nation to play Test cricket.